Event details

With this eclectic mix of speakers from the worlds of science, technology, publishing and fiction, this event will focus on scientific breakthroughs and objects of the present and future that might be inspiring the next generation of science fiction masterworks. The panel will discuss the links between science and science fiction, how each has inspired the other, and what the future holds for science and its fictional counterpart. Following the panel discussion the winner of the 2013 Arthur C Clarke Award will be announced.

Professor Ian Stewart FRS is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Warwick University, where he divides his time equally between research into nonlinear dynamics and furthering public awareness of mathematics. His current research interests focus on pattern formation and the dynamics of networks. He is best known for his popular science writing on mathematical themes. He is coauthor of the UK bestselling series The Science of Discworld I, II, and III with Terry Pratchett and Jack Cohen. He has also written two science fiction novels with Jack Cohen: Wheelers and Heaven. In 1995 he was awarded the Royal Society’s Faraday Medal for furthering the public understanding of science.

Professor Sheila Rowan is the Director of the Institute for Gravitational Research at the University of Glasgow and a holder of a Royal Society Wolfson Research Merit Award. Her research interests are directed at gravitational wave detection on the ground and in space. Her research programme currently includes studies of ultra sensitive mechanical systems; investigation of materials of ultra-low mechanical loss and construction of mechanically-stable optical systems for interferometric applications.

Rachel Armstrong is Co-Director of AVATAR (Advanced Virtual and Technological Architectural Research) in Architecture & Synthetic Biology at The School of Architecture & Construction at the University of Greenwich, London. Rachel is a sustainability innovator who investigates a new approach to building materials called ‘living architecture,’ that suggests it is possible for our buildings to share some of the properties of living systems. In 2011 Rachel was named as one of the top ten UK innovators by Director Magazine, featured in the top ten 'big ideas, 10 original thinkers' for BBC Focus Magazine and selected as one of BMW/Wired’s Change Accelerators.

Adrian Hon is the co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Six to Start, an online games company, who focuses in creating new forms of storytelling, whether through ARGs, transmedia, or mobile and web-based games. He studied Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, specialising in experimental psychology and neuroscience. He also writes about technology for The Telegraph.

David Bradley is the editor-in-chief of SFX and Comic Heroes magazines. David Bradley joined publishing house Future in 1997 where he contributed to several computer titles, including the official Microsoft Windows magazine which he edited for three years. Also a lifelong SF enthusiast, he gratefully accepted the editorship of SFX magazine in 2005 and recently published his 100th issue in the role. David Bradley lives in Bath surrounded by wool, because his partner runs the country's leading knitting magazine.

Attending this event

Tickets for the drinks reception may be purchased in advance for this event via this Eventbrite page. This also gives a guaranteed seat at the event.

Any seats remaining will still be available on the night (currently estimated at 100 seats), allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note this does not give you access to the drinks reception. Doors open at 6.00pm.

We have a limited number of spaces for wheelchair users and five bookable seats for people with impaired mobility who are unable to queue. To book in advance, please contact the events team. Further information about accessibility is available.

A live video will be available on this page when the event starts and a recorded video will be available a few days afterwards.

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